GASTROENTEROLOGY ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
September 25, 2003
Behm B, Stollman N. Postoperative ileus: Etiologies and Interventions. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003;1:71-80.
1. Factors likely to lengthen the duration of post-operative ileus (POI) include
a. duration of surgery
b. anesthetic agent used
c. manipulation of the bowel during surgery
d. epidural anesthesia, particularly if administered at the thoracic level
e. hypokalemia
f. use of opiates
True or False
2. The colon is the last part of the GI tract to regain normal motility after operative intervention.
3. Interventions that may accelerate resolution of POI include
a. early nasogastric intubation
b. early mobilization
c. early po intake
d. general anesthetics as compared to epidural anesthetic
e. use of NSAID’s instead of opiates for pain control
f. use of laxatives.
4. Interventions that are useless in decreasing the length of POI include
a. metoclopramide
b. NG intubation
c. Erythromycin
d. enemas
e. Domperidone